The Burgum Alternative Asset Speaker Series

Bergum Alternative Asset Series Connects Students to Real-World Investment Careers

The Bergum Alternative Asset Series features engaging conversations in the alternative investment sector. The series is designed to bring experienced professionals to campus to share their career paths, industry knowledge, and guidance with students interested in alternative asset careers.

The inaugural event was held on October 8, 2025, at Nistler Hall and featured Scott Anderson, Chief Investment Officer for the North Dakota Retirement & Investment Office. Anderson presented a talk titled “Why Invest in Alternatives?”

About the Bergum Alternative Asset Series

The presentation introduced students to investing beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Anderson explained why alternative assets are an important part of long-term investment strategies. He highlighted how these investments can help diversify portfolios, reduce risk, and provide stability during market downturns.

He also discussed both the benefits and risks of using alternative investments in modern financial strategies, along with a variety of career paths in the industry.

About Scott Anderson

Scott Anderson serves as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) for the North Dakota Retirement & Investment Office (RIO), which oversees the State Investment Board. He manages investment programs for a portfolio valued at more than $24 billion, including major state funds such as the Teachers’ Fund for Retirement, the Public Employees Retirement System, the Workforce Safety & Insurance Fund, and the Legacy Fund.

Before joining RIO in 2022, Anderson was Managing Director of Corporate Development and Mergers & Acquisitions at American Family Insurance. He also served at the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, worked in risk and performance leadership roles at American Family Insurance, and held several positions at Deloitte.

Anderson holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and earned both an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.